A Co Wicklow farmer, whose sheep have been attacked three times over five years, has described the attacks as "devastating".
Selena McKenzie from Redcross said her sheep were killed and injured in the incidents.
Speaking to RTÉ's News at One, she described one incident in which three sheep were killed while others were left "covered in blood" and scattered around the farm.
"The dogs had swung out of the back of the sheep," she said, adding "the first thing you saw was blood on their necks and the backs of their legs".
"Your first instinct is look around for the dog and of course the dog's gone," she said.
This, she said, left her on "high alert" for the next night.
"It happens over a period of time because the dog seems to get a taste for the hunt," Ms McKenzie said.
"It's very upsetting," she added.
She was speaking as farmers called on dog owners to have greater responsibility for their pets and not to have their dogs loose when out for a walk.
A group of farmers gathered at the launch of an awareness campaign on dog control in Co Wicklow that was organised by the Irish Farmers Association.
The 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign is an annual event that takes place at the start of lambing season.
Farmers say there are continuous incidents happening where their sheep have been killed or badly injured by dogs who are allowed to "run loose".
The lFA said one of the main issues is the patrolling of dogs.
It has called on the Government to introduce tougher regulations and increase resources including a rise in the number of dog wardens.
Last year the Government committed to €2m investment to hire an additional 40 dog wardens.
It is believed there are currently around 74 dog wardens nationwide.
The IFA said that more people going for countryside walks are leaving their dogs to roam.
It also called for tougher enforcement of microchipping for all dogs and increased sanctions and on-the-spot fines for failing to have a dog under control.
Dog owners must take responsibility for attacks - IFA
IFA President Francie Gorman said dog owners have to be confronted about their failure to take responsibility for the actions of their pets.
Mr Gorman said the Government has to recognise the deepening issue of dog attacks on livestock.
"The devastation caused has to be brought home to those who think their dog would not be part of an attack on livestock.
"Dog owners cannot absolve themselves of the wreakage left behind when sheep are attacked. The majority of responsible dog owners have a role here also," said Mr Gorman.
He said the IFA first launched its 'No Dogs Allowed' campaign in 2021 but despite continuous appeals for action, neither the Government nor local authorities have done enough to address the issue.
"The lack of robust enforcement of the legal obligations on dog owners has allowed horrendous attacks to persist and increase across the country. It is unacceptable," Mr Gorman said.
"We are demanding stronger regulations and stricter enforcement for those who disregard the safety and wellbeing of our livestock," he said.
IFA Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said stronger regulations announced by the then minister for rural and community development Heather Humphreys in late 2023 were a step in the right direction, but he said they do not go far enough to protect livestock from dog attacks.
"It is unacceptable that these practical proposals have not been acted on. IFA has consistently called for appropriate sanctions and to develop a single national database identifying dogs and their owners, similar to that in other jurisdictions," Mr Gallagher said.
Meanwhile, Wicklow IFA Chair Tom Byrne said it is a critical time of the year as lambing commences.
He is warning dog owners that dogs are not allowed on or near farmland and to behave in a responsible way and adhere to this.
"It is also important to remind dog owners that they are fully liable for any damages caused to farmers and their livestock and dogs found on our lands can be shot," he added.
Majority of dog owners "very good"
South Dublin dog owner Rory Brennan said he thinks most pet owners are responsible when it comes to keeping their pets under control when they are walking in rural areas.
The majority of the people he meets walking their dogs are "very good" and following the rules, he said.
"If a farm is near they should be always be on a lead, simple as that," he told RTÉ News.
Mr Brennan said lots of dog walkers come to Carrickgollogan Woods in Rathmichael in Co Dublin where he brings his dog Elmo for walks.
"They are very responsible. There is a community here as well and if a dog goes missing and is on the loose, everyone comes and helps to get him."
He said there is no access to farms in that area but also thinks it is not right to have on the spot fines for dogs who are not on leads.
"If you love dogs, you are going to treat the dog well, you are certainly not going to let him loose near a farm."
However, he added that there are always exceptions and you will get someone who "does not understand the reality that a dog will go and chase sheep".
"That is the dog owners fault and that is not good," he added.
Mr Brennan said the dog population is growing massively, with about 100 dogs walking in this area on any day.
A female dog walker who takes up to seven dogs for a walk every day on the same trail said she would be mindful of keeping them all under control.
She said she has noticed in areas near farmland that some dog walkers leave their dogs off the lead.
Another dog owner on this trail said her two dogs love to chase wild animals.
"When I am aware they go on a lead and they are under control. We don't want any accidents," she said
"Obviously you just have to pay attention to your surroundings around you."
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